The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 4 eBook

have all met with destruction. These are those
two well-developed and round arms of mine, resembling
a pair of elephantine trunks. Coming within their
clasp, the foolish sons of Dhritarashtra have all
met with destruction. Smeared with sandal-paste
and deserving of that adornment are those two arms
of mine by which Duryodhana has been despatched to
the other world along with all his sons and kinsmen.’
Hearing these and many other words, O king, of Vrikodara,
that were veritable darts, king Dhritarashtra gave
way to cheerlessness and sorrow. Queen Gandhari,
however, who was conversant with every duty and possessed
of great intelligence, and who knew what Time brings
on its course, regarded them as untrue. After
five and ten years had passed away, O monarch, king
Dhritarashtra afflicted (constantly) by the wordy darts
of Bhima, became penetrated with despair and grief.
King Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, however, knew
it not; nor Arjuna of white steeds, nor Kunti; nor
Draupadi possessed of great fame; nor the twin sons
of Madri, conversant with every duty and who were
always engaged in acting after the wishes of Dhritarashtra.
Employed in doing the behests of the king, the twins
never said anything that was disagreeable to the old
king. Then Dhritarashtra one day honoured his
friends by his confidence. Addressing ‘them
with tearful eyes, He said these words.’

“Dhritarashtra said, ’How the destruction
of the Kurus has happened is well known to you.
All that was brought about by my fault though the
Kauravas approved of all my counsels. Fool that
I was, I installed the wicked minded Duryodhana, that
enhancer of the terrors of kinsmen, to rule over the
Kurus. Vasudeva had said unto me, ’Let this
sinful wretch of wicked understanding be killed along
with all his friends and counsellors.’
I did not listen to those words of grave import.
All wisemen gave me the same beneficial advice.
Vidura, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, said the
same thing. The holy and high-souled Vyasa repeatedly
said the same, as also Sanjaya and Gandhari. Overwhelmed,
however, by filial affection, I could not follow that
advice. Bitter repentance is now my lot for my
neglect. I also repent for not having bestowed
that blazing prosperity, derived from sires and grand
sires, on the high-souled Pandavas possessed of every
accomplishment. The eldest brother of Gada foresaw
the destruction of all the kings; Janarddana, however,
regarded that destruction as highly beneficial.[2]
So many Anikas of troops, belonging tome, have been
destroyed. Alas, my heart is pierced with thousands
of darts in consequence of all these results.
Of wicked understanding as I am, now after the lapse
of five and ten years, I am seeking to expiate my
sins. Now at the fourth division of the day or
sometimes at the eighth division, with the regularity
of a vow, I eat a little food for simply conquering
my thirst. Gandhari knows this. All my attendants
are under the impression that I eat as usual.